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Norman whiz kid wins trip to National Geographic Bee

Norman middle school student Matthew Armor recently competed in the National Geographic Bee. He was one of 54 students nationwide and the only student from Oklahoma to compete in the national geography competition.

Matthew Armor shows some of the geography material he studied before traveling to Washington for the National Geographic Bee. PHOTO BY STEVE SISNEY, THE OKLAHOMAN STEVE SISNEY

Fun and friendship

On a typical evening, Armor spends about an hour reading about history and geography “just for fun.” But after he won the state bee, he began taking pretests on National Geographic's website and studying from books his school loaned him.

Armor made the trip to Washington accompanied by his mother, Gina, and the National Geographic Society welcomed the competitors with special events such as a trolley tour of the Capitol and a visit to the Library of Congress, which had a special exhibit featuring maps set up specifically for them.

Gina Armor said the young contestants bonded almost instantly.

“These kids were all on the same level,” she said. “They really enjoyed the sense of friendship they had with one another.”

Although Armor did not place among the top 10 finalists in the bee, he said the experience he gained was valuable.

“As long as I do my best, I'm proud,” he said.

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